Gamelatron Sanctuary: Suara Sinar (The Sound of Light) is a site-specific installation that transforms a vast, windowless, abandoned warehouse on the Peekskill, New York waterfront into a sanctuary of light and sound. In the middle of a pitchdark 10,000 square-foot space, there is an oasis of couches, pillows and rugs. Spiraling out from the oasis in concentric circles stretching across the entire space are instruments from a Balinese Gamelan orchestra retrofitted with mechanical mallets mounted to the ceiling trusses. Twenty four bronze kettle-shaped gongs called Reyong and Trompong, four hanging gongs ranging in size from 23 to 35 inches in diameter, four pairs of nine-inch bronze hand cymbals (Kopyak), and two dragon turtles with eight four-inch hand cymbals (Ceng-Ceng) robotically play day-long sequences of music composed specifically to allow the entire warehouse to function as a resonating chamber. With each sound, a pulsation of light bursts from the instrument and fades as the tone diminishes, briefly illuminating a spot in the vastness. Movements of music become a choreographed panoramic dance of light.

Suara Sinar is a refuge, it is a universe unto itself; it is an offering, a respite, an escape and a confrontation.

Here are the hours and other info you’ll need to get there while it’s going on.

Hours: The Artwork may be experienced at any time that the museum is open.

Open hours of the museum are: Friday 11:00am – 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm and Tuesday-Thursday by appointment. For access to the Artwork at any time, you can call the main number 914.788.0100 in advance or upon arrival at 150 North Water Street.

TPCH’s baristas are obviously talented at whatever they do. We just don’t always know all the things they do do. We’ve been ogling Sydnee Farr’s gorgeously illuminated canvases and enigmatic still lives all month. You can see a few in the photos below, but they must be seen in person—and hurry, because they’re coming down on Sunday, August 31st. She’s having a closing reception between 3 and 5 pm on Sunday, where you can talk art and whatever else you want—and maybe even score a few of these beauties. We’re really looking forward to more of Sydnee’s work on the coffee-house walls, and, it seems certain, in more galleries in the near future.

The Peekskill Coffee House has a monthly open mic run by the ineffable Andy Rice. It is a load of fun and I encourage all you musicians and music lovers to stop by and take in a little local musical color. This month’s open mic happens on August 16th from 7-9pm. See you there!

Emerald City is coming to Peekskill! Local vendors and artists will take part in the event which will be geared towards themes related to the story such as “Follow Your Dreams Over the Rainbow” and “Believe in Yourself.” The festivities will be from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. All patrons are welcome to come in costume. The commemoration is in honor of L. Frank Baum who was enrolled at the Peekskill Military Academy and authored the beloved Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Baum once said “Time is given to us to be happy and for no other reason.” What better way to enjoy your day then with your family and friends?